{"id":4543793,"date":"2022-08-26T07:09:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-26T07:09:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/?p=4543793"},"modified":"2023-06-15T15:06:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T15:06:53","slug":"playa-del-carmen","status":"publish","type":"travelguides","link":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/mexiko\/playa-del-carmen\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Playa del Carmen Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n <\/i>Exploring Playa del Carmen<\/span><\/a> \n <\/i>Where to stay<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>Where to eat<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>How to get around<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>How to get there<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>Favourite stays<\/span><\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the 1990s, Playa del Carmen (or simply Playa) has been climbing up the list of the most popular places to stay on Mexico\u2019s Caribbean coast. Only a short journey from world-famous Cancun<\/a>, Playa del Carmen is a slightly smaller beach town providing an alternative to its renowned neighbour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stunning beaches and the vast variety of things to do are attracting all types of travellers. Holidaymakers and families can make the most of the luxury hotels with pools and kid-friendly activities. Digital nomads can enjoy cheap rent and the lively social scene that Playa del Carmen has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen soon, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this travel guide, you’ll know which area to stay in, where to find the best restaurants and how to get around this buzzing beach destination in Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, check out our list of the best activities in Playa del Carmen<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long should you stay in Playa del Carmen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Playa del Carmen is a great choice if you\u2019re looking for a resort-style, beach holiday. It has white sand, good food and plenty to do for the whole family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, those looking for an authentic Mexican experience may want to avoid it. The city has become extremely touristy and heavily influenced by Western culture over the past few years. If you prefer somewhere quieter, we recommend checking out Bacalar<\/a> instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re road-tripping around the Yucatan peninsula, one to two nights in Playa should be enough to do a day trip to Cozumel<\/a> and check out a few of the surrounding cenotes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With so much going on in Playa del Carmen, a lot of people think of it as a big city. Quite the opposite is true. In reality, Playa del Carmen is a relatively small town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When deciding where to stay in Playa del Carmen, you need to ask yourself whether you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle (with great food options all around) or looking for a relaxing resort retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve kept it simple and broken it down into two best areas to stay:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location #1: Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) \u2014 close to everything you need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Tourists walking along the streets of Calle Quinta Avenida <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be close to all the action, then stay near 5th Avenue. It\u2019s a partially pedestrianised 4 km long road which runs from the north to the south of Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lining this street are tons of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops selling anything you could possibly want! Another great thing about being close to this street, you\u2019ll always be only a stone’s throw away from the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying near Quinta Avenida is easy and efficient, as you\u2019ll be able to walk almost anywhere you need to. This also means tipsy walks home from Playa\u2019s many bars are nice and short! Perfect to sober up on the way back to your stay and no need to take a taxi. But it does come with a downside: it can get noisy at night so look for accommodation with good soundproofing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation in Quinta Avenida<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Accommodations closest to 5th Avenue and along the beachfront are likely to come at higher prices, but that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re extortionate. You\u2019ll still be able to find some great Airbnbs, smaller hotels and hostels from $15\/night if you\u2019re on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there isn\u2019t a time limit to your stay in Playa del Carmen, then you may want to look at renting an apartment. Long-term stays will reduce your accommodation costs and Playa has some really cheap rental properties on offer. You can find a month-long rental for around $200-400.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location #2: Playacar \u2014 luxury all-inclusive resorts and retreats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Playacar
Playacar \u2014 a gated beach community <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Playacar<\/a>, located slightly southwest of the city, is the epitome of luxury. It\u2019s a gated beach community with large all-inclusive resorts, a huge golf course, shops, restaurants and quieter beaches than central Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a relaxing week away then this is the place you\u2019ll want to stay. It\u2019s the perfect choice for families too as it\u2019s extremely safe, plus there are a number of kids\u2019 clubs and playgrounds to keep the kids entertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation in Playacar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably already guessed it, this level of luxury doesn\u2019t come cheaply. To stay in most of the private villas and resorts, you\u2019ll be looking at a starting price of around $100 per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An additional cost to consider is that you\u2019ll likely need a taxi to reach the centre of Playa del Carmen. This will cost you around 80 pesos ($4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Playa del Carmen is bursting with restaurants, cafes and bars. They offer you more choices than you could ever possibly need. Being a touristy town, Playa has a large international cuisine scene, but don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll still be able to find traditional Mexican food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"5th
Restaurants at 5th Avenue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

El Fogon \u2014 the best tacos in Playa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll jump straight into the best place to grab some delicious Mexican food. El Fogon<\/a> is the place to go for some of the best tacos you\u2019ll ever try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t just trust us on that, take it from the fact that there\u2019s always a queue to get in. The queue moves fast though, so don\u2019t worry about that! The restaurant is super authentic, with plastic chairs and tables, and always some great tunes playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Cueva del Chango \u2014 a great brunch spot in the tropics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The food at La Cueva del Chango<\/a> is great, but the aesthetics and atmosphere of the restaurant take it to a whole new level. The outdoor garden dotted with small waterfalls and ponds will give you the feeling of being in the jungle, all while seating on the main strip in Playa del Carmen! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The restaurant offers all three meals of the day, but it\u2019s breakfasts that they\u2019ve become well known for. It\u2019s the perfect place to start the day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don Chendo \u2014 great-tasting deep-dish pizza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don Chendo<\/a> is the place to go in Playa del Carmen if you\u2019re looking for the best pizza, particularly Chicago-style. We\u2019re talking deep-dish, thick crusts and oozing with cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of toppings to pick from, the service is great and there’s more on the menu than just pizza (fancy some pasta instead?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also read:<\/strong> Top 15 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get around Playa del Carmen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Shops
Souvenir shops in Playa del Carmen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Playa del Carmen is a pretty condensed, small city, with most of what you need is situated along 5th Avenue and the beach. This makes getting around super easy as most of it can be done on foot. If walking isn\u2019t your thing, though, there are other ways which we go into detail about below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By foot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Simply walking is the best way to get around Playa del Carmen if you’re staying on and around 5th Avenue. The beach sits just behind 5th Avenue, so a leisurely stroll is all it takes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making it even easier, a lot of 5th Avenue is pedestrianised, so you won\u2019t have to watch out for crazy drivers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By taxi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Taxis
Taxi bay at Playa del Carmen <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If the hot weather is getting to you and you don\u2019t want to walk, then you can hail a taxi from the road. There will be plenty roaming around the streets of Playa del Carmen. You can recognise them by their white exterior with a turquoise stripe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A ride within Playa del Carmen shouldn\u2019t cost you more than 40 pesos ($2). It\u2019s always good to agree on the price before you get in the taxi as well. That way they aren\u2019t able to rip you off at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use taxis to reach some of the attractions further from the city, such as the cenotes and adventure parks. Check out our list of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By colectivo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Crossroads
Crossroads between Chetumal, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Valladolid in Tulum town\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Colectivos are white minivans that act as buses for the locals. They\u2019re a super cheap way to get around. In Playa del Carmen, a colectivo ride will cost you just 5 pesos ($0.25).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All you need to do is hail one from the side of the road that\u2019s going in the direction you want, and hop on. A lot of them will also have signs indicating their stops in their windshield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning on visiting only Playa del Carmen, then there\u2019s not much need for a car. But if you’re thinking of taking day trips to Tulum<\/a> or the nearby cenotes, renting a car is one of the best ways to get around. There are plenty of car rental agencies along 5th Avenue or you can rent a car online<\/a> starting from $15\/day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together 10 tips that will help you save money when renting a car.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Playa del Carmen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Leaving from<\/th>Duration<\/th>Prices from<\/th><\/th>See details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Cancun<\/td>1-1.5 hours<\/td>from 85 MXN ($4.80)<\/td><\/td>Cancun to Playa del Carmen<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Chiquila<\/td>2-2.5 hours<\/td>from 310 MXN ($17.40)<\/td><\/td>Chiquila to Playa del Carmen<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Tulum<\/td>1-h 10m<\/td>from 45 MXN ($2.50)<\/td><\/td>Tulum to Playa del Carmen<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that you\u2019ve finished reading this guide, you’re almost ready for your adventure in Playa del Carmen. The next step is to create your personalised itinerary with our top picks of things to do in Playa del Carmen<\/a>. Simply choose your favourite activities and places to visit, and you’re all set to make lasting memories in Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exploring Playa del Carmen Where to stay Where to eat How to get around How to get there …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9026,"featured_media":4537581,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[900283,900343],"travelguides_tag":[],"class_list":["post-4543793","travelguides","type-travelguides","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mexico","category-playa-del-carmen"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides\/4543793","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/travelguides"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9026"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4543793"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides\/4543793\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4537581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4543793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4543793"},{"taxonomy":"travelguides_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides_tag?post=4543793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}